Community: News, People & Events New Book: Meet Philadelphia Dolly Vardens
Springfield, MO— Author, Dr. Sabrina A the reconstruction era, and the real whirlwind Brinson, was hosted at the Historical Timmons of adversity that roared in with it. Overall, Hall, in Silver Springs Park, in Springfield, caps off for the timeless reverberating mesMissouri on September 26, 2020. sage demonstrated by the Philadelphia Dolly “Meet the Philadelphia Dolly Vardens and ShaTayshia, “Strong has Vardens” (Inspired by the first Afrialways been the real pretty.” It was can American Women’s Professional also a special honor for my book about Baseball Team) by Dr. Sabrina A the Philadelphia Dolly Vardens to be Brinson was released on September 8, released during the centennial anniver2020. It is the first culturally sustainsary of Negro League Baseball (NLB: ing children’s book in a series that Dr. 1920-2020). Brinson designed to be used as curThe book signing was hosted by ricula (primarily for 3rd – 6th grades). Dr Sabrina Brinson the Springfield-Greene County Park Meet the Philadelphia Dolly Board & the MLK Commemorations Vardens, was written to heighten awareness Committee - Boys Booked on Barbershops, about the first African American women’s Drury University, Faith Voices of Southwest professional baseball team. It was also imporMissouri, Girls Booked on Beautyshops, Great tant to show the effectiveness of positive action Southern Bank, Ozarks Technical Community steps in the face of unfair practices, and the College, Penmac Staffing Services Incorporatimportance of hard work and perseverance to ed, Peoples History Café, Southwest Missouri achieve goals. Told through a story of historNational Organization of Women, Springfield ical fiction, it was important to illuminate the Art Museum, & Springfield-Greene County strength, ingenuity, and resilience that kept the Library District. baseball players in good stead in the midst of
Rev Michael Williams Installed At Freedom Baptist Springfield, MO— The Rev. Michael A Springfield in the early 90’s as a Prime Truck Williams and his wife Joanie Williams were inDriver. stalled as pastors of Freedom Southern Baptist “My vision is to get to the place of true worship Church and know who Jesus is,” said Wilon Sunday, September 20, 2020. The liams. “Our vision is to expand as God ceremony was held at Greater Metroleads us— in faith and growth of minpolitan Church, 1400 N. West Avenue istry.” Williams added, “I would like hosted by Pastor Ken Lewis. to have an Ole’ Fashion Tent Revival The guest speaker was Apostle like the one where I got saved.” Larry Maddox, Sr pastor of New Rev Williams is married to Joanie Growth Ministries. There were several area churches represented at Rev Michael Williams Williams who works for Mercy Health, Behavioral Overflow. the special service. Church servies are held each Sunday from Rev Michael Williams served as associate 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. Weekly bible study will minister at Freedom Baptist for 13 years. He resume after the COVID-19 pandemic. is origionally from Albany, GA and came to
We Mix Serious And Fun This Fall At The Library First, teens and adults are invited to attend a virtual program, Why Black Lives Matter, at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20. Visit thelibrary. org/programs before the event for details to access. A panel of artists, educators and historians will discuss the unique aesthetics of Blackness in regards to arts and culture for a greater understanding and appreciation of Black lives’ cultural contributions. This Zoom discussion will include a Q&A and be facilitated by Jonathan Herbert, theater program head at Ozarks Technical Community College. ••• For family fun, join the Springfield Hidden History Hunt outdoors anytime through Oct. 31, and discover the hidden bits of history across the city. Pick up a history hunt guide at the desk or drive-through of any branch or Mobile Library van. Use the guide to find and check off at least 6 of the 12 sites on the hunt. Then turn in the guide to your library and receive an “I (heart) My Library” window cling. Or snap a selfie at one of our spots on the hunt, send it to socialmedia@thelibrary.org with contact information and we’ll give you a sturdy Library book bag. ••• If you’re planning to vote in the November presidential election with a mail-in ballot, the Library can help. Mail-in ballots can be notarized by appointment at the Library Center, 4653 S. Campbell Ave., and the Library Station, 2535 N. Kansas Expressway. There is no fee for the service. For appointments call the Library Center, 883-5341, or Continued on page 11
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